In 1957, while attempting to intercept the Roswellremains being stolen by Irina Spalko from Hangar 51, Jones crashed his truck into crate 9906753.[2] Jones briefly noticed the Ark, but didn't have time to examine it.[3]

He mused in his journal that he may have to return to the warehouse, and sketched a drawing of the Ark's crate (though he got the number wrong), wondering what else was hidden at the site.[4]

After the crate's appearance in Raiders of the Lost Ark, numerous references to the crate itself or the very concept of a valuable treasure being locked away in an anonymous crate sealed in a giant crate-filled warehouse appeared in popular culture.

When the crate is being prepared, the 'Top Secret' sign is shown to be printed on the crate across vertically laid planks. However, when the warehouseman is transporting it in the next shot, the sign appears slanted across horizontally laid planks.